Stories of inspiration

From Vision to Victory: PSFI Celebrates Community Progress at the 2025 Cagayan de Oro Culmination Day

Cagayan de Oro City, November 6, 2025 — Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), together with Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC), celebrated the achievements of scholars, enterprises, and community partners in Northern Mindanao through the 2025 Culmination Day held at Dynasty Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

The event gathered local government representatives, educators, and partner organizations to honor milestones under PSFI’s flagship programs — the Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL), Shell LiveWIRE, Biyahero, and Response to Communities Under Emergencies (RESCUE) — as well as other initiatives supporting education, safety, and sustainable livelihoods.

Empowering Scholars Through Technical-Vocational Education

A key highlight of the celebration was the achievement of 24 SKIL scholars who completed their Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) NC II training through PSFI’s Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL) Program. Delivered in partnership with the City College of Cagayan de Oro, the City Government, and the PESO Office, the program equips youth with industry-ready skills and pathways to employment.

Within just four months of graduation, 15 scholars have already secured jobs or continued their studies, demonstrating how access to quality technical-vocational education can rapidly translate into real opportunities for Filipino families.

SKIL scholars also received startup toolkits to help them practice and monetize their newly acquired skills, opening pathways for extra income and small-scale side ventures.

Strengthening Local Enterprises Through Innovation

Through the Shell LiveWIRE Program, PSFI supported five community enterprises in Macabalan and neighboring areas: Amiga’s Housemate, DA’YARN, MJ’s Foodies Homemade Bread and Pastry, Macabalan Golden Rays OFW Association, and the Macabalan Fisherfolk Association and Cooperative.

These enterprises received capacity-building sessions, mentorship, and livelihood grants, enabling them to expand their operations and anchor local economic growth. Their stories stood out as examples of how grassroots innovation can strengthen community resilience and prosperity.

Building Safer, More Resilient Communities

PSFI also reinforced community safety through its Biyahero and RESCUE Programs. More than 120 participants were trained in road safety, fire safety, and basic first aid. In partnership with barangays and local schools, PSFI will be installing 14 road signs in key areas of Macabalan to create safer routes for students, pedestrians, and commuters.

Volunteers and fisherfolk also received safety equipment, first aid kits, and solar lights to support emergency preparedness and promote safer, more sustainable livelihoods.

A Shared Commitment to Community Development

The Culmination Day recognized the collective contributions of schools, local government offices, national agencies, and civic organizations that have helped advance PSFI’s programs. These partnerships continue to fuel projects such as Brigada Eskwela, coastal cleanups, tree planting, and other environmental conservation initiatives.

Moving Forward Together

The 2025 Cagayan de Oro Culmination Day reaffirmed a simple truth. Progress becomes more meaningful when it is shared. From nurturing scholars to strengthening enterprises, and from promoting safety to caring for the environment, PSFI and its partners remain united in their commitment to empowering communities and transforming lives across Northern Mindanao.

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